On Scientific Objectivity

The research process is never devoid of value judgments. Nevertheless, motivation of the researcher does not necessarily render work unobjective in a scientific sense. Threats to scientific objectivity include the difficulty of changing a publicly expressed viewpoint, a vested interest in a particular theory, the desire to avoid controversy, and the desire for financial gain. The researcher must be careful, however, to avoid equating his own views with the “public interest” and condemning those with opposing views as lacking scientific objectivity.